Dawn Patrol: Naperville mom in court; brawl shuts bar

Justin Plackowska of Naperville quickly found success in tae kwon do, his instructor said. Justin was found murdered Tuesday night in Naperville along with a girl who lives nearby and who attended tae kwon do classes with Justin.Courtesy of World Champion Taekwondo

Naperville mom accused of murder due in court today

A DuPage County bond court hearing is set this morning for a Naperville mother charged with first-degree murder in the slayings of her 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old girl, who were found stabbed dozens of times. Officials announced the murder charges against Elzbieta Plackowska last night. Authorities said they made the grisly discovery during a well-being check at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday on the 800 block of Quin Court in Naperville. Two dogs also were found fatally stabbed inside the home. Full story.

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Melee leads to shutdown of Des Plaines tavern

Des Plaines police say they have served notice to Casa Azteca owners that the bar's business and liquor licenses are suspended and it'll remain closed until further notice. The sports bar is at 647 N. Wolf Road. Officials said the move was prompted by a melee involving about 50 people, some wielding baseball bats and at least one gun. That purported activity resulted in two arrests and Des Plaines authorities shutting down the tavern late last week. Full story.

PETA gets into Aurora bird hoarding case

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, has stepped into the bird-hoarding case in Aurora. PETA says it wants the city to slap charges against the man who hoarded 478 birds -- 120 of them dead -- in his townhouse. PETA made its point in a letter yesterday to Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas, Mayor Tom Weisner and other city officials, requesting the criminal charges against Dave Skeberdis, 57. Authorities say Skeberdis' large population of birds inside his trash-infested home was discovered Oct. 19. Full story.

Cops say social worker attacked special ed pupil

Authorities say a social worker has been charged after making unwanted physical contact with a student at a Special Education District of Lake County building. John Gulino, 60, of the 1700 block of Riverwood Drive in Algonquin, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery in connection with the incident the student reported to SEDOL officials Oct. 18. Gulino is free after posting $1,000 bail. Lake County sheriff's police said Gulino attacked a 19-year-old student during the school day at Cyd Lash Academy in unincorporated Gages Lake. Full story.

Algonquin cop on leave after allegations

An Algonquin police officer has been placed on leave after a Crystal Lake woman with whom he had a relationship alleged he threatened her and was granted an order of protection. Full story.

Sen. Kirk joins campaign trail with video

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, recovering at home in Highland Park from a stroke, joins the campaign trail in a video on behalf of his successor in the 10th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Bob Dold. The video, put to music, is depicted as one stop in Dold's "working together" John McCain-style bus tour. Full story.

Weather

Cloudy and cool with a high of only 35 degrees as you head out the door this morning. Temperatures are expected to reach about 50 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 32 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.

Traffic

Construction continues on Route 132 near Route 45 in Lindenhurst. There are numerous lane reductions through the area, so people should use extreme caution. More traffic.

Statistics show Bears QB Cutler revs up late

If fourth-quarter ratings are worth anything, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is the leader at his position late in the game. Cutler has a fourth-quarter passer rating of 132.0, according to the most recent stats. He's ahead of Denver quarterback Peyton Manning's 119.6 and Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers' 110.6. Full story.

Bulls win opener against Sacramento Kings

Although the Sacramento Kings are among the National Basketball Association bottom-feeders, the Bulls surely won't give back their season-opening win last night. Joakim Noah scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and the Bulls, minus rehabilitating Derrick Rose, beat the Kings 93-87 at the United Center. Full story.

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